Cowabunga, Cucamonga!

You’ll get your heart pounding and your muscles burning with the challenging adventure that is Cucamonga Peak. This 8,859-foot summit (or 8,858, depending on which sign you’re holding for your hero shot) stands as one of the tallest peaks in the San Gabriel Mountains, and the 12.1-mile (round-trip) trek with 3,800 feet of elevation gain pulls no punches. But the effort is worth it, because on a clear day Cucamonga Peak offers expansive views of the high desert and the Inland Empire that are almost completely unimpeded by other mountains.

Cucamonga Peak, which resides in the San Bernardino National Forest, gets its name from the Gabrielino Native American word kukamonga, meaning “sandy place,” as it was the closest peak that overlooked the area (now a city) known as Rancho Cucamonga. However, the dense population of towering Jeffrey pines and granite talus make Cucamonga Peak anything but sandy.

Start by taking the clearly marked Icehouse Canyon Trail 3.6 miles to Icehouse Saddle. This first leg of the hike is clearly laid out by mile markers and junction signs. Various cabins, both in use and in ruin, are scattered along the path. You’ll also see a lovely stream and some brilliant fall colors, mostly from sycamore trees. At mile 1.6 is a sign that marks your entry into the Cucamonga Wilderness. Trek your way to the trail junction at Icehouse Saddle and continue onto Cucamonga Peak Trail for 2.6 more miles to the summit. The bulk of the trail is a steady incline, but it significantly steepens in the last mile and a half to cover the final 1,300 feet of elevation gain. Once at the peak, you can mark your name in the ammo-box summit registry. Look for one of the elevation signs carved into wood, pose heroically, and enjoy the view!

From the 210 Freeway, take Exit 54 for N. Mountain Ave. in Upland (not in Claremont) and turn north, continuing for 4.1 miles. Then turn right on Mount Baldy Rd. (N. Mountain Ave. briefly becomes Shinn Rd. before the Mount Baldy Rd. turnoff.) Follow Mount Baldy Rd. for 6.4 miles and make a right on Icehouse Canyon Rd., which almost immediately leads to the trailhead parking on the left. An Adventure Pass is required for parking. Dog-friendly!